Weekly jobless claims increase 2,000 to 205,000
Continuing claims slip 1,000 to 1.865 million
Thirdquarter GDP growth revised to 4.9 from 5.2

WASHINGTON, Dec 21 Reuters The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose marginally last week, the latest suggestion that the economy was regaining some momentum as the year winds down.

The smallerthanexpected increase in weekly jobless claims reported by the Labor Department on Thursday followed recent data showing retail sales unexpectedly rising in November, while singlefamily housing starts and building permits scaled 112year highs. Those reports prompted economists to boost their growth estimates for the fourth quarter.

The economy had appeared in danger of stalling at the start of the quarter. There was even more good news on inflation, with other data on Thursday showing significantly more progress made toward returning it to the Federal Reserve39;s 2 target in the third quarter than previously reported.

There is plenty to cheer about the economy, and next year should be even better as the Federal Reserve takes the brakes off the economy now that inflation is going their way, said Christopher Rupkey, chief economist at FWDBONDS in New York.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 205,000 for the week ended Dec. 16. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 215,000 claims for the latest week. Unadjusted claims fell 9,225 to 239,865 last week…